Frontman Tim Skipper unpacks the story behind House of Heroes’ concept record Colors, including the difficulties and freedoms that come with tackling such a project, and the band’s early ties to Twenty One Pilots.
Last week Yellowcard made the announcement that their forthcoming self-titled album would also be their last. After nearly 20 years, the pop punk outfit has decided to call it quits. So it only seemed fitting that we use this week’s playlist to honor the band and take a look back at their long and noteworthy career.
As always, the rules are 22 songs and a two song encore. Check out the full track listing below and stream the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.
This week’s episode of Encore looks at our favorite albums so far from 2016. Next week we’ll be posting our contributor and moderator list feature, but, before that you can hear your favorite podcast hosts explain what albums they like the best and how they came up with their very scientific lists. We also talk about beer, the NBA finals, Yellowcard saying goodbye, Paramore, Every Time I Die, Eisley, and a little about Blink-182 (but expect much more on that album in the next episode).
We’d love to hear what albums you’ve been enjoying this year as well, so please hit the the little quote bubble to join us in the forums and let us know. Also, feel free to leave any questions you’d like us to tackle in future episodes. Thanks to everyone who listens.
So the obvious release of the day is the new album from Blink-182. It’s out, I think it’s pretty damn good, but now you can listen and judge for yourself. I’ve heard good things about that Blood Orange album, so that’s next on my list to check out. That American Authors album is basically having candy for breakfast, so if you’re in the mood for sugar — give that a try as well. If you hit read more you can see all the releases we have in our calendar for the week. Hit the quote bubble to access our forums and talk about what came out today, what albums you picked up, and to make mention of anything we may have missed.
Jean-Philip Groebler, lead singer of St. Lucia, has been immersed in music since he was part of a well-known choir in his native Cape Town, South Africa. Since then Groebler has written jingles for numerous commercials and two albums under the St. Lucia moniker. At Bonnaroo, he talks with me about his latest release. Later in the day he joined Halsey on stage for a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Thunder,” which turned into a rain dance as storms interrupted the performance.
John Feldmann, who either saved or ruined Blink-182 according to the internet, did a track-by-track breakdown of California with Fuse:
“Sober,” we did with Patrick Stump, who is a good friend of mine. Fall Out Boy supported Blink for many tours. They’re all the oldest friends. I hang out with those guys a lot and he was just kind of here and he had this idea—what could Blink be on modern rock radio in 2016? What does that look like? What does that mean, when there aren’t really live instruments on the radio?
It’s full of little tidbits of information. And typos.
Dave Trumbore, writing for Collider, on the upcoming Lego Batman Movie, which sounds fucking awesome:
Chris McKay, the director of the movie, is a real Batman aficionado and knows really arcane stuff that was only in one issue of the comic book in 1972, and that sort of thing. So, it is chock full of stuff for Batman aficionados. It is just a 90-minute Easter egg.
Years & Years have released their video for “Worship.”
Speaking of ways to avoid phones at shows, Alicia Keys has been using the Yonder pouch at her shows. The Washington Post reports:
Dugoni says the pouch serves two purposes. The artist can try out new material without worrying about it being leaked. Fans will also realize that they actually enjoy a show more without constantly filming, texting and Tweeting.
“If you haven’t been to a phone-free show, you just don’t know what you’re missing,” he says. “There’s something about living in real life that can’t be replicated.”
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have released their new song “Juno” to celebrate NASA’s Juno Mission.
Lots has been written about Apple receiving a patent that would allow infrared signals to temporarily disable the phone camera. I think Stereogum writer Collin Robertson best expresses my thoughts:
That might be OK … assuming the technology is only used at concerts and doesn’t extend to, like, disabling phone cameras during instances of police brutality and/or sociopolitical/religious unrest.
Most of the time patents never actually lead to shipped products, I hope that’s the case here.
Rihanna has released the video for her Star Trek: Beyond single “Sledgehammer.”
Bad Suns will release Disappear Here on September 16th. Pre-orders are now up and they’re streaming the title track.